Fred Swaniker: The leaders who ruined Africa, and the generation who can fix it

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  • Опубліковано 20 жов 2014
  • Before he hit eighteen, Fred Swaniker had lived in Ghana, Gambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. What he learned from a childhood across Africa was that while good leaders can't make much of a difference in societies with strong institutions, in countries with weak structures, leaders could make or break a country. In a passionate talk Swaniker looks at different generations of African leaders and imagines how to develop the leadership of the future.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 488

  • @life4rent90
    @life4rent90 9 років тому +202

    I can't believe the amount of stupidity in the comment section people would rather critisize and tell someone they can't accomplish something rather than do anything about the problem.! What this man is is doing is not only extremely practical for all developing nations but gives the youth a hope to look forward to!
    WELL DONE SIR

    • @tapiwakay
      @tapiwakay 9 років тому +8

      Well said. Let's focus on solving the problem.

    • @luciansunset1
      @luciansunset1 5 років тому +2

      Amen

    • @MarkusAudio
      @MarkusAudio 3 роки тому +1

      First they oppose. Then they ridicule. Finally they praise.

    • @mfundisombhele3856
      @mfundisombhele3856 3 роки тому

      Amazing words

    • @solangecishugi4566
      @solangecishugi4566 2 роки тому +2

      I agree with Mr Fred for the creation of African institutions that will identify and develop leaders in a systematic and rational way

  • @AK-gu4jq
    @AK-gu4jq 2 роки тому +15

    This is the most inspiring lecture I have ever seen in my life. As an african it makes me so proud and excited for the future.

  • @alain1468
    @alain1468 7 років тому +83

    Yes, indeed. Rwanda's Paul Kagame is by no means perfect. However, he is one of Africa's best leaders in the last 15 years. Proud of my president.

    • @davidoluwadare2787
      @davidoluwadare2787 4 роки тому +1

      Areas he's not perfect please?

    • @ing4gi
      @ing4gi 4 роки тому +1

      @@davidoluwadare2787 freedom of speech and democracy. Economics are his thing, but 50% of Rwanda is still poor.

    • @gamasb8222
      @gamasb8222 3 роки тому

      Oh come on! What did he do for Zimbabwe?

    • @gamasb8222
      @gamasb8222 2 роки тому

      Paul Kagame is the best leader in Africa. West will go after him and will try to destroy your country using triblism.

    • @snowforest6487
      @snowforest6487 2 роки тому +1

      @@ing4gi because rwanda is still a developing country, however the statistics don't lie when it says rwanda is one of the fastest growing. Economiss on the planet.

  • @ashtareal
    @ashtareal 9 років тому +75

    I'm reading all these comments from people who a) Have never lived in Africa or b) Have never even been to Africa. Having been born, raised and educated in the Free South Africa I completely agree with this man. Leaders make or break a country and it takes good leaders to help a country move forward. Botswana is a great example of what a great leader can do while Zimbabwe is an example of what happens when a leader goes rogue.

    • @TRUEkcctv1384
      @TRUEkcctv1384 7 років тому +7

      but what you fail to understand is that alot of great African leaders who could have made big changes where all murdered and the leaders choosen by western government are ineffective at least thats whay some post are saying reasearch your self assassinated african leaders find out

    • @storysupport
      @storysupport 6 років тому

      I don’t fit into either of those categories.
      Without reading EVERY single comment, I think that what is left out is the “why” and sometimes the “how” that exists behind some of the events that discussed in this talk.
      The context is important. This oversimplification is short-sighted.
      I understand the optimism and “what-to-do-now” approach. However, he is speaking about something that has no precedent, at least for several a few hundred years.

    • @nattyp7801
      @nattyp7801 5 років тому

      Many have eyes yet they cannot see !!!!

  • @treshi
    @treshi 5 років тому +12

    Great man, we fled Ghana at about the same time for the same reason, I can certainly understand this man and where he comes from, my father had to hide for 3 years in Ghana because he could not leave the country, while me my sister and my mother waited for him in Belgium. I know exactly what he's talking about, but I also lived my entire life in Europe now and I know for a fact that emulating European or any other so called advanced countries in the world is a mistake, their systems are failing and are not sustainable, we need forward thinking people who will not just look for the short but most importantly to the long term, people who are willing to challenge the establishment that has brought the planet almost to the brink of extinction.

  • @farrel13sw
    @farrel13sw 9 років тому +12

    Fred as an African I share your views. I wish our leaders would be like you. When I see how my country is now I want to vomit and I lost hope in my South African leaders.

  • @adrianbunge
    @adrianbunge 9 років тому +62

    I loved the talk but if you look at South Africa now our 4th generation leader is Jacob Zuma who has been embroiled in corruption scandal after corruption scandal... The work you're doing is amazing, I would love to help out in which ever way that I can. Education is the only sustainable solution to the majority of our African problems

    • @AL-ri6bk
      @AL-ri6bk 5 років тому

      Hmmm. Why education?
      What about god and education?
      Bothhh
      Ahhh

    • @sajivsatyal7507
      @sajivsatyal7507 4 роки тому +1

      a l Farces don't accomplish anything.

    • @miginiel
      @miginiel 3 роки тому

      The right education/dedication, that promotes life.

    • @attajacob
      @attajacob 3 роки тому

      It’s not only our leaders we as a people are corrupt in culture after we adopted western systems into our societies that we didn’t and still don’t understand we developed a culture of corruption.

    • @jaybest1787
      @jaybest1787 2 роки тому

      What you said about education, I totally agree.

  • @davidschlessinger9945
    @davidschlessinger9945 9 років тому +8

    I enjoyed this talk. I had a chance to live in Tanzania, Africa, as a Peace Corps Volunteer less than two years ago. Tanzania is a very poor country, but it is culturally rich, and more important, it is peaceful. Since it's independence in 1961, Tanzania's first President, Julius Nyerere, peacefully orchestrated the countries' independence from England. He came from humble roots as a primary school teacher, but he was a well educated man who was friends with the President who started the Peace Corps, John Kennedy. Tanzania took a socialist route to development, as some other countries- and African culture is naturally socialist to some degree. He united the country with one language. Now Tanzania is developing more and more, becoming more democratic, more entrepreneurial. There are still problems and challenges to be sure, but Tanzania is a good model for the rest of the continent

    • @iamprogress6862
      @iamprogress6862 7 років тому

      That's just awesome. It's great that you volunteered to help. We need more people like you.

    • @shauncameron8390
      @shauncameron8390 4 роки тому

      Not really. Nyerere was also the guy responsible for turning Tanzania from a top food-exporter to the world's #1 foreign-aid recipient of the day due to his failed forced collectivization policies.

  • @ashokstrm
    @ashokstrm 3 роки тому +3

    Even before it is 5.25, it is already the best speech I have watched on Ted so far. Best example what good education can do. The auditorium should have been fully packed with people for the topic is very important. Africans, wake up and choose good leaders. There is no point always blaming the Western countries.

  • @tapiwakay
    @tapiwakay 9 років тому +40

    It seems everybody argues on how we got into the problems we face in Africa but nobody is talking of ways of solving this problem. Yes, identifying the root cause of how an issue started is great at preventing future failures but must we only focus on that every time we debate? What does that achieve?
    That for one is a prime reason things aren't improving in Africa.
    I for one think agriculture is our way out. Micro-financing (obtained from diasporan expendable income) , farming education (networking farmers with experienced locals or experts). All this and more relies on finding people with the same passion, same goal & honesty. There are good people out there, it's just that the capitalist system is turning everyone into selfish, greedy capitalists.
    We need to change our way of approaching problems, I propose a start small, contribute within your means, live simple, network, educate & above all, do everything for the better good of man!

    • @abbigail3923
      @abbigail3923 7 років тому

      tapiwakay -You Said it Right

  • @luciachebianguntugsiri4265
    @luciachebianguntugsiri4265 5 років тому +5

    This talk has brought so much hope in my life and i must admit that everything he has said is true. The title attracts and it's not at all misleading to me.

  • @nyakahumajoshua3955
    @nyakahumajoshua3955 11 місяців тому +1

    Fred Swaniker, am a big fun and one of the leaders being cultivated in the ALX program. 8 years from when this Video was uploaded and indeed Fred is walking the talk.

  • @drdejango853
    @drdejango853 5 років тому +2

    Great message to the younger generations of Africa
    We need change in our continent Africa,,,,, Fred Swankier you're doing a good job... Your words are so inspiring
    Be blessed

  • @zoo05zoo
    @zoo05zoo 9 років тому +3

    This is a very interesting and invigorating concept. One major challenge is the fact that there is a business and political elite who are really pushing to keep Africa as broken and dysfunctional as possible, because this in effect is what keeps them in power.

  • @tylancoleman2862
    @tylancoleman2862 4 роки тому +6

    I plan to bring my software company to Africa. Im African. American. Here is a note, there will be people that criticize, there will be people that watch, then there will be people that do. People that do dont mind for the other two😁

  • @shakalalakoo
    @shakalalakoo 6 років тому +1

    Thank you brother. I believe Africa has started turning back into a great paradise. Time and team work is our asset. Thanks again

  • @Tokoroegao
    @Tokoroegao 9 років тому +21

    Here is the thing and it has been true trough all ages and all regions of the world: Young men without opportunity and occupation will start wars, commit violence and crime and are, generally speaking, a disaster for any country in any age of history. If you want stability in a region, prosperity and peace - you need to give these young men opportunity, education and occupation.

  • @andreabanda7838
    @andreabanda7838 9 років тому +3

    This is so good. this is why i started to enroll young students to get trained in leadership skills. I like what Mr Swaniker does to the people of Africa. hHe will leave behind a good legence
    Andrew

  • @malackokioma6954
    @malackokioma6954 Рік тому +1

    Oooh! Woow woow. This gent is speaking sense into my head;
    How if feel and hope that such minds could have mentored and natured. We need this kind of brave and brilliant minds!

  • @reouhidindjerareou3648
    @reouhidindjerareou3648 2 роки тому +2

    Fred is such a great guy-never met him, but hopefully someday. I also went through coups d'etats in my native Chad. I had the opportunity to live many years in the United States. Fortunately, I did go back to Chad a couple of times for many years. It was a 10 year span in Chad that I fell in love with Africa. Just like Fred, I am determined and focused on developing opportunities for emerging African leaderships.

  • @mfundonkosi6927
    @mfundonkosi6927 4 роки тому +5

    One thing I can take out of this is that part of the charge of Black Excellence means to call out each other's bullshit and mediocrity. We need to rise as Africans for Africa. No room for corruption, nepotism or comprising moral duty to serve each other well.

  • @therealzilch
    @therealzilch 9 років тому +9

    An inspirational talk. More power to you.

  • @sykoelf
    @sykoelf 9 років тому +23

    This is a great talk! The universities are ... just wow, awesome man.

  • @amanarora89
    @amanarora89 2 роки тому +1

    Simply superb. Whole world needs people like you indeed.

  • @elliottaylor2913
    @elliottaylor2913 4 роки тому

    Well said and put my brother!! Blessing to mama Africa and power to the movement to rebuild Africa.. ONE LOVE TO ALL MY AFRICA PEOPLE

  • @adanmohguy-armandkouame7851
    @adanmohguy-armandkouame7851 5 років тому +2

    Super message! Je partage entièrement votre avis M. TED. Félicitations à vous !

  • @darrylcombe2469
    @darrylcombe2469 5 років тому +1

    Very well said Frank. The truth can be a very uncomfortable place, but until we face the real issue we'll not solve the desperate state of Africa. It is poor, weak, corrupt leadership which is holding Africa back, when we fix this then the continent will be on a fast-track to prosperity.

  • @doodelay
    @doodelay 9 років тому +13

    I love this guy. And he is giving us a lesson on African governance that we in the west desperately need.

  • @mpeao2
    @mpeao2 6 років тому +1

    Great talking. Inspiring leadership in Africa. I'm African and I'm inspired. Thanks

  • @Hyanie2013
    @Hyanie2013 5 років тому +2

    It's a real good speech; full of teachings. I would like to be formed to belong to this fourth generation of African Leaders

  • @rayaneaziz8069
    @rayaneaziz8069 2 роки тому

    The speaker is just amazing
    I'm inspired. I firmly believe in this fourth generation of African leaders....
    More power to you ...

  • @MowizosCrib
    @MowizosCrib 9 років тому +15

    LOVE THIS!

  • @triomphebalamoto7529
    @triomphebalamoto7529 4 місяці тому

    Je suis épaté par la capacité de l'orateur , très posé, calme et il a la maitrise de son domaine. Force à vous pour ce combat.

  • @koumbachristcharel4603
    @koumbachristcharel4603 5 років тому

    Extraordinaire discours qui je pense devrait être partager au maximum. Tout est dit ou presque, la vision amorcée par la première génération à été court-circuité par des dirigeants qui ont pensé d'abord à eux au détriment de l''intérêt général. Conséquence nous n'avons pas réussi à bâtir une Afrique forte et prospère. Mais bien heureusement, par le mouvement irréversible de l'histoire, une nouvelle génération, constitué pour la plupart de jeune issus de classe défavorisé, a compris la mission qu'est la notre aujourd'hui, celle de reconstruire cette Afrique tant décriée en commençant par la transformation de nos mentalités.

  • @TS-yg3lv
    @TS-yg3lv 5 років тому +2

    Ingenuity and dexterity. A young man of vision.

  • @domingossousa5537
    @domingossousa5537 6 років тому +1

    There is a man with a vision.
    What call to rise up and join our fellow Africans to do something more.
    We are capable and should do more to creating a better Africa even if the odds look scary.

  • @tee5634
    @tee5634 Рік тому +1

    Excellent talk by this young man. The historical perspective to remedies for the future was quite helpful.

  • @andrewguuru6936
    @andrewguuru6936 9 років тому +6

    Everything else aside, leadership is the single most important factor to a progressive society. However, what I know is that, there are many good leaders but their efforts are most of the times sabotaged for political and personal reasons. Unless political and personal sabotage stops, good leaders will continue to fail in building strong institutions. .

    • @josephineamawiafe9428
      @josephineamawiafe9428 11 місяців тому

      Especially by the west! What they hate to see is a leader who is patriotic! They will start calling that leader a dictator! Ghadaffi had good intentions for Libya and Africa! They killed him! Most of our leaders now are weak ! Puppets at best! They make it easier for these white rogues to rip us off! But there’s time for everything!

  • @napeakor
    @napeakor 9 років тому +7

    here here!

  • @RainStorm5i
    @RainStorm5i Рік тому

    Waaaw. Accurate assessment on African Problems and Leadership and good projections for the afuture. Well done Brother.

  • @ritadjohontan268
    @ritadjohontan268 2 роки тому +1

    L'orateur est tout seulement incroyable. Je suis inspirée et je crois intimement en cette 4 génération et qu'on peut reconstruire en suivant les bon l'exemple de ceux qui nous on précédent et qui le font encore.

  • @yardhieu1970
    @yardhieu1970 9 років тому +1

    Great talk, interested to know how these universities develop.

  • @SimplyMayaBeauty
    @SimplyMayaBeauty 9 років тому +5

    Fascinating!

  • @yannickkatayisha524
    @yannickkatayisha524 2 роки тому

    Powerful speech, full of truth and wiseness .

  • @mlungisilushaba718
    @mlungisilushaba718 5 років тому

    Thank you very much sir i like the direction
    Hope to identify leaders in my community too

  • @LADIESCLUBFORLEADERSHIP
    @LADIESCLUBFORLEADERSHIP 6 років тому

    A leader and her vision ... we cannot dissociate that... stay strong and big up my brother...

  • @debjitkanjilal
    @debjitkanjilal 3 місяці тому

    Just amazing vision Fred!

  • @diegorx2980
    @diegorx2980 9 років тому +20

    This is a very smart guy, third world countries need more people like him

  • @darianclery4455
    @darianclery4455 8 місяців тому

    Thank you for this message great work Africa 🇿🇦💯 for Africa

  • @sulisumenpeter4467
    @sulisumenpeter4467 Рік тому

    This is inspiring and still gold to this day.

  • @helenamoniqueclarke8135
    @helenamoniqueclarke8135 9 років тому +1

    so impressive.

  • @abouzeidiadamoubaraka103
    @abouzeidiadamoubaraka103 3 роки тому

    Truth, really thank you for this video.

  • @senayon85
    @senayon85 4 роки тому +5

    With all due respect to the speaker my country of Cameroon is still stuck with a 2nd generation president....

  • @lindamthenjane1752
    @lindamthenjane1752 7 років тому

    Love this!

  • @raissakouadio7589
    @raissakouadio7589 2 роки тому

    J’ai fortement aimé la vision partagée et je suis totalement d’accord avec.

  • @LokwandzaZubuko
    @LokwandzaZubuko 2 роки тому

    I'm with you...

  • @KibetBrian
    @KibetBrian 3 роки тому

    Inspirational Talk

  • @kesh4781
    @kesh4781 7 років тому

    Great Talk.

  • @laurmil1453
    @laurmil1453 Рік тому

    Thanks you

  • @jamesbilly7141
    @jamesbilly7141 5 років тому

    Great, brother.

  • @brucewilson1958
    @brucewilson1958 4 роки тому

    I love you friend! Big respect. I pray that God will confirm me to come to Africa and meet you...help you if I can.

  • @Rickta90
    @Rickta90 3 роки тому

    Finally, someone with sense, who doesn't waste time complaining about days past. Good job sir. God bless you!

  • @Victorygabz
    @Victorygabz 5 років тому

    Badass,love you!

  • @rolandgerard6064
    @rolandgerard6064 9 років тому

    Good talk, great plan.

  • @oseeayan1053
    @oseeayan1053 2 роки тому

    I do believe that to be part of this generation is a great chance, and I'm ready to be more educated for transforming Africa and to make it a better continent world without end.

  • @primrosemwendwa801
    @primrosemwendwa801 2 роки тому

    Truly inspiring

  • @GateBeautiful144
    @GateBeautiful144 Рік тому

    Great vision and with the right partnerships this vision can become a reality!

  • @mondjronorbert248
    @mondjronorbert248 2 роки тому

    Merci pour votre combat

  • @santanagonsalves6461
    @santanagonsalves6461 8 років тому

    Brilliant

  • @olivernshom268
    @olivernshom268 2 роки тому

    I love you Sir.
    I am joining ALU.

  • @Trtuhgdtyyg
    @Trtuhgdtyyg 4 роки тому

    amazing

  • @afikax8933
    @afikax8933 5 років тому

    Africa is so big and many countries have their personalized issues. Like Nelson Mandela was a 'first generation resident' in South Africa because he encouraged freedom and equality in South Africa. The issues Africa faces are so complex but have the potential to be overcome which is the thesis

  • @milesjolly6173
    @milesjolly6173 7 років тому

    great video.

  • @DonDonald_
    @DonDonald_ Рік тому

    Wonderful.
    J'ai aimé

  • @glorialopeo4562
    @glorialopeo4562 3 роки тому

    very interested

  • @omarw3314
    @omarw3314 9 років тому +44

    It is a shame that instead of discussing the great potential this idea has, we are talking about something as superficial as race.
    Must every video of an African discussing the political dynamics at play in Africa bring up race??
    Please grow up

    • @unapologetic2992
      @unapologetic2992 6 років тому +1

      Race play a part in this. You grow up

    • @storysupport
      @storysupport 6 років тому +3

      “Race” is far from superficial. If it was superficial, nations and dynasties would not have been built on the leveraging the perceived differences race presents.

    • @bigevil1001
      @bigevil1001 5 років тому

      Omar W In a perfect world...

    • @NoName-be8vp
      @NoName-be8vp 5 років тому

      You’re right, it’s really childish.

    • @bethmoraa6556
      @bethmoraa6556 4 роки тому +1

      louder omar...louder for the people at the back..

  • @J.Paul2023
    @J.Paul2023 Рік тому

    At 5:44 : I didn't get the names if you could please give them out again here along with the others you named also, so I can look them up, it would be great and at 7:26 the leaders should take it easy on the automation plan if that is what they have that in mind, working the land is still the best way to keep people happy and employed!.. It always has been!.. God bless you for sharing, thank-you!

  • @domfeadusei5083
    @domfeadusei5083 3 роки тому

    Wow.Visionary

  • @ygstraightout2780
    @ygstraightout2780 4 роки тому

    Epic speech

  • @georgesbodjona3140
    @georgesbodjona3140 Рік тому

    Très beau développement. Nous ferons tous partie de cette 4eme génération et nous allons révolutionner cette Afrique

  • @ambessashield9360
    @ambessashield9360 9 років тому

    Great talk. I wonder where these universities would be located?

  • @gnagnenoel793
    @gnagnenoel793 2 роки тому

    merci, pour cette motivation. Que les africains comprennent que c est a eux de développer leur continent et cela ne peut se faire que par un changement de mentalité , en devenant des leader

  • @jorjtebo
    @jorjtebo 8 років тому

    Wao. Great guy

  • @leaticiamarieelianenabi2114
    @leaticiamarieelianenabi2114 3 роки тому

    Education is the main key for Africa !

  • @anagauvino3743
    @anagauvino3743 8 років тому

    sure!!!

  • @toemas8
    @toemas8 5 років тому +1

    Unfortunately leadership usually comes out of something else and often being educated. Africa needs doctors who can lead, engineers who can lead and business people who can lead. I agree with Frank on generation 4 they are better educated and don’t have the hang ups of generation 2 and 3... the problem is many on these still hang onto power.

  • @smileylady485
    @smileylady485 4 роки тому

    Ghana boy....much love

  • @alfredomatias313
    @alfredomatias313 8 років тому

    great

  • @jaybest1787
    @jaybest1787 2 роки тому

    So much said in just 13 minutes.

  • @alphaamadoubah7155
    @alphaamadoubah7155 5 років тому

    Super

  • @KagimuBrian
    @KagimuBrian 5 років тому +1

    We shall be the generation that fixes it

  • @munaaliii
    @munaaliii Рік тому

    wow! wow!! wow!!! 👏👏👏
    *claps in standing ovation*

  • @marie-helenemonnard8806
    @marie-helenemonnard8806 9 років тому

    J'ai un bon espoir pour l'Afrique, je suis sûre que Kama peut évoluer et grandir comme elle le mérite si bien !

  • @bonolososha8683
    @bonolososha8683 4 роки тому

    Rise Africa Rise🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @LucienToih
    @LucienToih Рік тому

    congratulation !

  • @ojagetabelifestyle4010
    @ojagetabelifestyle4010 4 роки тому

    Waoh

  • @harare767
    @harare767 4 роки тому +2

    Great idea, Afrikans need to focus thier education more on practicals, making things for themselves, put clever minds to work on practicals, smart brains in food production/farming ,building more water bodies, harnessing the rivers better, making our own medicines, building our own machineary and transport net works rail and roads.we need more plumbers to build more sewage systems so cholera/ decentry stops, At the moment AFRIKA has far too many PHD holders in academics who have brought nothing but more corruption because they want to be paid for their certificates not what they can produce

  • @solangecishugi4566
    @solangecishugi4566 2 роки тому

    I agree with Mr Fred for the creation of African institutions that will identify and develop leaders in a systematic and rational way

  • @mamadousaidoubarry4098
    @mamadousaidoubarry4098 5 років тому

    Je suis tout a fait d’accord avec vous que la quatrième génération à un grand défit à relever pour construire, réconcilier, et bâtir une Afrique libre et indépendant pour le bien être de tout le monde. Nous en avons y des hommes forts, corrompus et malhonnêtes de la première génération à nos jours qui continuent toujours avec leurs systèmes. ils ont réclames l’indépendance de l’Afrique pour devenir les nouveaux colonisateurs sans conscience, ni de pitié au peuple qui continu toujours de demander la liberté.
    l'espoir est permis avec la quatrième jeune génération consciente, des vrais leaders pourront inverser la tendance .

  • @EmmanuelZever
    @EmmanuelZever 2 місяці тому

    GENERATION 4 - We heave work to do!